FAQ
Why do you cap the number of submissions?
By limiting the number of scripts we accept, it ensures that every submission gets read and that we respond to playwrights in a timely manner. This way, your play won't be on the bottom of a slush pile for months on end waiting for someone to read it! We are hoping to increase the number of submissions as we grow, but at this time we aren't able to accept more than forty scripts each submission period. You can read more about how we developed our submission policy on the blog.
Who can submit?
Anyone over 18 and living in the greater New England area (MA, CT, RI, VT, NH, ME) is welcome to submit. We are based in Boston, so make sure you have a reliable way to commute to your reading/workshop/production if you live outside the city.
What do I submit?
One full length play (or draft intended to be full length) in PDF or Word format and a completed cover letter (available for download the month before submissions open). Both should be sent as separate attachments to submissions@freshinktheatre.com. We cannot currently accept musicals, children's shows, or plays that have already had a professional production -- previous readings, workshops, or college productions of the play are fine. If you're not sure if your play is eligible, let us know and we'll help clarify!
Does my play need to be finished before I submit?
Nope! You’re play does not need to be production-ready, and in fact, you’re unlikely to get a lot out of the development process if it is. We are looking for scripts with potential and plays that will really benefit from some focused collaboration with our artistic team. The submission draft should be somewhat fleshed out so we can see what you’re trying to accomplish with the script. Otherwise, be as clear as possible about your intentions for the play and what you hope to gain from a development cycle with us. Your script might need a little tightening up, or you might be looking to totally revamp the plot and characters -- either way, we want to give you the tools to make it happen!
How will I know if my play is being considered?
You’ll get an emailed response when we receive your submission that confirms whether your script is one of the forty up for consideration. Once the submission window closes, we expect the selection process to take one to two months.
What does the staged reading entail?
All the plays we select for our season will receive a public staged reading. This is a great opportunity to hear how your play sounds and to get a sense of what the audience is responding to the most. The three plays going through a full development cycle will have readings in late spring/early summer, while the two plays selected for a reading are performed during the fall/winter.
What does the workshop entail?
Each new work is unique and may have different needs depending on where it is in the development process. Fresh Ink wants our playwrights to get the most out of their time with us, so we will work with them to create a workshop structure that best serves their script. We are able to provide the playwright with 10-15 hours of workshop time, as well as a director, dramaturg, and actors to explore the text. A workshop gives the writer a chance to really examine questions presented in the play, to try out ideas about movement or staging, and to see what other collaborators can bring to the process.
What does the production entail?
Plays that receive a production will be matched with an artistic team and receive marketing support. Members of the production team and cast may have participated in the reading or workshop, or may be new to the project. Playwrights will also collaborate with the artistic team on casting, design, and other production elements.
I want to develop my script, but I already have a director/dramaturg attached to my play. Can they still work with me?
We are always eager to bring awesome collaborators into the process! If you have specific people you want to include in your workshop or production we will do our best to make it happen. The sooner you let us know the better, so write any special requests on your cover sheet or send us an email when you submit.
What if I can't attend the reading/workshop/production?
Fresh Ink is excited to work with playwrights who are active participants in the entire development process. If you have specific scheduling needs or anticipate any conflicts, let us know on your submission cover sheet. Once we select our season, we will work with each writer to come up with a schedule that accommodates everyone. If the full development process is too much of a commitment at this time, we encourage you to wait and submit when you can be fully involved.
I’m a director/dramaturg/designer/actor interested in new work. How can I get involved?
We are always looking for creative collaborators who are excited about new plays -- shoot us an email at info@freshinktheatre.com to let us know how you’d like to be involved, then come say hello at one of our readings, productions, or post-show events!
How can I find out about Fresh Ink shows and events?
You can follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and sign up for our mailing list to stay updated on Fresh Ink’s events and productions.
By limiting the number of scripts we accept, it ensures that every submission gets read and that we respond to playwrights in a timely manner. This way, your play won't be on the bottom of a slush pile for months on end waiting for someone to read it! We are hoping to increase the number of submissions as we grow, but at this time we aren't able to accept more than forty scripts each submission period. You can read more about how we developed our submission policy on the blog.
Who can submit?
Anyone over 18 and living in the greater New England area (MA, CT, RI, VT, NH, ME) is welcome to submit. We are based in Boston, so make sure you have a reliable way to commute to your reading/workshop/production if you live outside the city.
What do I submit?
One full length play (or draft intended to be full length) in PDF or Word format and a completed cover letter (available for download the month before submissions open). Both should be sent as separate attachments to submissions@freshinktheatre.com. We cannot currently accept musicals, children's shows, or plays that have already had a professional production -- previous readings, workshops, or college productions of the play are fine. If you're not sure if your play is eligible, let us know and we'll help clarify!
Does my play need to be finished before I submit?
Nope! You’re play does not need to be production-ready, and in fact, you’re unlikely to get a lot out of the development process if it is. We are looking for scripts with potential and plays that will really benefit from some focused collaboration with our artistic team. The submission draft should be somewhat fleshed out so we can see what you’re trying to accomplish with the script. Otherwise, be as clear as possible about your intentions for the play and what you hope to gain from a development cycle with us. Your script might need a little tightening up, or you might be looking to totally revamp the plot and characters -- either way, we want to give you the tools to make it happen!
How will I know if my play is being considered?
You’ll get an emailed response when we receive your submission that confirms whether your script is one of the forty up for consideration. Once the submission window closes, we expect the selection process to take one to two months.
What does the staged reading entail?
All the plays we select for our season will receive a public staged reading. This is a great opportunity to hear how your play sounds and to get a sense of what the audience is responding to the most. The three plays going through a full development cycle will have readings in late spring/early summer, while the two plays selected for a reading are performed during the fall/winter.
What does the workshop entail?
Each new work is unique and may have different needs depending on where it is in the development process. Fresh Ink wants our playwrights to get the most out of their time with us, so we will work with them to create a workshop structure that best serves their script. We are able to provide the playwright with 10-15 hours of workshop time, as well as a director, dramaturg, and actors to explore the text. A workshop gives the writer a chance to really examine questions presented in the play, to try out ideas about movement or staging, and to see what other collaborators can bring to the process.
What does the production entail?
Plays that receive a production will be matched with an artistic team and receive marketing support. Members of the production team and cast may have participated in the reading or workshop, or may be new to the project. Playwrights will also collaborate with the artistic team on casting, design, and other production elements.
I want to develop my script, but I already have a director/dramaturg attached to my play. Can they still work with me?
We are always eager to bring awesome collaborators into the process! If you have specific people you want to include in your workshop or production we will do our best to make it happen. The sooner you let us know the better, so write any special requests on your cover sheet or send us an email when you submit.
What if I can't attend the reading/workshop/production?
Fresh Ink is excited to work with playwrights who are active participants in the entire development process. If you have specific scheduling needs or anticipate any conflicts, let us know on your submission cover sheet. Once we select our season, we will work with each writer to come up with a schedule that accommodates everyone. If the full development process is too much of a commitment at this time, we encourage you to wait and submit when you can be fully involved.
I’m a director/dramaturg/designer/actor interested in new work. How can I get involved?
We are always looking for creative collaborators who are excited about new plays -- shoot us an email at info@freshinktheatre.com to let us know how you’d like to be involved, then come say hello at one of our readings, productions, or post-show events!
How can I find out about Fresh Ink shows and events?
You can follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and sign up for our mailing list to stay updated on Fresh Ink’s events and productions.
